Will Apple’s ‘MacBook Air WiFi Update 1.0’ Solve 802.11ac Issues?

In response to reports regarding new MacBook Air’s 802.11 ac Wi-Fi issues, Apple rolled out invitations to select users last Friday. A number of users were invited to join the AppleSeed Program to test an upcoming Wi-Fi software update for the ultra-thin laptop.

There were also reports that the Cupertino-based company will provide a pre-release version of the ‘MacBook Air WiFi Update 0.1’ to selected owners to install. In return, they must provide feedback on any bugs that they’ll discover during the testing process.

The 802.11 ac Wi-Fi Issue

Although it was not stated directly, the upcoming update is said to be due to recent Wi-Fi connectivity issues on Apple’s fairly new 802.11 ac wireless standard.

The refreshed versions of 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air were the first to implement the fast wireless protocol. This feature, when combined with the new AirPort Extreme or AirPort Time Capsule, is believed to reach speeds of up to 1300 Mbps.

However, an increasing number of users complained about the throughput limitations of the 11ac. There were even speculations that the wireless stack in the OS X is partially at fault.

Meanwhile, a thread on Apple Support Communities seems to confirm the AppleSeed invitation, although only little information was given. Those who agreed to the company’s terms claimed that Apple is yet to activate the invitation codes and release the software update.